Dental question about observed-topic:toothache

Toothache usually comes from inflamed pulp, decay, a crack, gum disease, or a dental injury and needs cause-based care.

The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. Decay, a crack, a failing filling, exposed dentin, gum inflammation, or pressure around a wisdom tooth can stimulate pain through different mechanisms.

Rinse gently, keep food away from the sore area, brush carefully, and use pain medicine only as directed on its label if suitable for you. Do not place aspirin or chemicals on the gum, and arrange an examination.

Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty opening the mouth, or worsening pain. Emergency help is needed if swelling affects breathing or swallowing or spreads toward the eye or neck.

Ask which structure is causing the pain, whether an X-ray or pulp test is needed, and whether treatment means a filling, root canal, extraction, gum care, or repair of a crack.